Despite a disappointing season that saw heavy rains affect the volume of P.D.O. Persimon fruit from Spain, the Kaki de la Ribera del Xúquer regulatory council was still very pleased with the quality of the fruit it delivered to the UK market.
Growers outside Valencia saw a 15% decline in exports to the UK, accounting for about 600 fewer tonnes of the fruit, which has sweet, delicate flavour similar to that of a peach or a mango, than last year. Some 4,000 tonnes total were sold between October and January. About 81,000 tonnes were exported worldwide.
“The Kaki Persimon® is a product that is gradually growing in awareness and popularity among consumers, and we hope to further expand the market share and to build on its continued success,” Rafael Perucho, head of the council, said.
Persimon is the trademarked name for the Spanish fruit, which differs slightly from persimmon in name and qualty. The P.D.O. status both ensures that it is the high-quality Rojo Brillante variety grown in the Ribera del Xúquer valley region. Growers must pass tests on both traceability and quality of the fruit. Only 50% of overall persimmon production in Spain is certified as P.D.O.
The regulatory council and Foods from Spain have been collaborating for the past 16 years on promotions, social media plugs, and recipe creations, including campaigns on BBC Good Food online. It says it hopes to heighten awareness of the P.D.O. Persimon.
“Our goal for next season will remain the same: to increase the awareness of a product that is still relatively new in the European market,” Perucho said.
